10/25/2006
I triple checked the cut lines for the Dynon stack. I will try very hard to get the instrument panel right the first time. Since I have such a proclivity to chop holes and cut before thinking, if I succeed in this it will be a miracle.
I drilled #40 holes in the corners. Then I drilled started holes for the saber saw near each edge. Then I saber sawed holes for the EFIS and engine monitor. I cut the rectangles slightly undersize - about the thickness of a fine tip permanent marker.
I then trial fit the EFIS and of course it didn't but just barely. I used a file to remove the additional material and to remove the saber saw tool marks. When the EFIS fit in both holes. I used 200 grit sand paper to remove the file marks and debur the edges.
There really isn't enough room to mount both units on top of each other but damn it that is the way I want it. I overlapped the bottom tray on top of the top one and made some spacers for the bottom one to keep it flush. You can see the overlap in the picture below but it is hard to see the spacers.
I drew center lines on the front flanges of the trays and marked rivet locations 1 inch apart. I then drilled at these spots to #30 size. I realize that this might be a tad bit overkill.
I installed the EFIS into the tray and match drilled a few holes into the instrument panel. Then clecoed the tray into position, removed the EFIS and drilled the rest of the holes. I did the same thing for the bottom tray.
Here is how it looks. I can't describe how cool it looks. So far so good. On the first picture below I have the radio stack on the left side. I am right handed to I think it makes more sense for me to have it on the right side. The reason I chose this arrangement was to keep the NAV indicator on the right more or less in its conventional position. I think that with the latest Dynon firmware I will have an HSI from the serial output of the GNS-430 so I will not need an indicator.
[UPDATE 10/26/2006 - I checked with Dynon. The LOC,NAV and GS functions in the EFIS only work with an SL-30. I'll need to buy an indicator.]
The radios should be here on Friday or maybe Monday. Until then I will continue to work on the panel and anything forward of the panel. I think I will cut the hole for the AirGizmos thingy tomorrow.